29 Nov 2025 - 4 Jan 2026
Hampshire has had another exciting year in 2026, with an array of large-scale events and festivals taking place but the year is not over yet. Home to a host of family fun events, and special anniversaries, you're sure to find plenty of exciting events to give you a reason to include Hampshire in your holiday plans. Look out for an array of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austens birth whilst you discover the place she was born, lived and wrote six of her novels #JaneAusten250.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list below or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county. The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Number of results: 148
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ashley Heath, Ringwood
Looking for things to do this February half term near Bournemouth? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape, set in the heart of Moors Valley Country Park, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends, and thrill seekers, Go…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Sky Princess, Ventura in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!…
Festival
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Comic Con returns to the Guildhall for 2026.
Arts
Basingstoke
Design your own vibrant portrait and make it POP with loads of creative ideas, think comic-style speech bubbles, tie-dye flowers, glitter accents, and more.
Suitable for children aged 5–10 years, this activity is perfect for young artists! Your…
General event
Southampton
The Palmerston Forts built around Britain in the second half of the 19th century represent the country’s largest ever defensive building program in peacetime. Ranging from small gun positions and bunkers to huge walled forts several acres in size,…
Arts
Southampton
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Childrens Events
Romsey
Self-guided fun with all the family.
Spring is waking up the garden — and it's time to go exploring! Whether it's sunny, rainy, or somewhere in between, wrap up warm and head outside to see what you can find.
Children must be accompanied by an…
Festivals
Newport
Sausage and Cider Festival at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight Sausage and Cider Festival returns to the Isle of Wight on Saturday 4 July 2026.
HEADLINER TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Huge line up Kasabian tribute. UB40 tribute. Foo Fighters…
Sporting Event
Cowes
Isle of Wight sailing race The annual Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight. The race regularly attracts over 1,000 boats and thousands of sailors, making it one of the largest…
Special Events
New Forest
The iconic International Autojumble will return on Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 September 2026.
Thousands of motoring enthusiasts will join us for the biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic. This long-awaited weekend of…
Special Events
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of the Custom and American Show on Father's Day, Sunday 21 June 2026.
With hundreds of cool American motors, colourful custom cars and bikes, live music and hip entertainment, this is a family show not to be…
Carnival
Ventnor
Children's Carnival in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight Fun for all the family at Ventnor Children's Carnival!
Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.
JaneAusten250
Winchester
Join us for a delightful afternoon of sipping tea, eating delicious food and a game of croquet in the walled garden! (Weather permitting)
Childrens Events
Portsmouth
Step aboard for a hands-on robotics adventure! Take control of Indi and RVR+ robots to tackle Navy-themed puzzles, design challenges, and missions in a fast-paced, coding adventure.
Guide the clever Indi robot through the Royal Navy, decoding the…
Exhibitions
New Forest
Some of the world's most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise cruise into the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu from 25th October 2025 to 12th April 2026!
Some very special guests are making a pit stop at the National Motor Museum…
Exhibitions
Fareham
Step into wedding planning bliss at voco Fareham-Solent and immerse yourself in all things weddings. We can't wait to welcome you!
Step into wedding planning bliss — we have recently undergone a breath taking refurbishment! Whether you're newly…
Sporting Event
Portsmouth
SailGP returns to the UK with fast and furious racing set to take place right here in Portsmouth.
Free Event
Basingstoke
Let's Glow is back for 2025 ! A free town centre-wide light trail this February half term in Basingstoke.
Festival
Cowes
Cowes Fringe is a vibrant celebration of music, theatre, and comedy that lights up the town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight annually in May. The festival fills local venues with an electrifying mix of performances, showcasing both local and national…
Outdoor Event / Activities
West End, Southampton
Looking for things to do this February half term in Southampton? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape, set in the heart of Itchen Valley Country Park, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends, and thrill seekers, Go…
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
